Review: Sins of a Highland Devil by Sue-Ellen Wellfonder

Sins of a Highland Devil
~Sue-Ellen Welfonder

Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Forever
Release Date: January 3, 2011
ISBN-10: 0446561789
ISBN-13: 978-0446561785

From the author's website:
The king has ordered three clans to battle to the death: the one left standing will reign over the Glen of Many Legends. James Cameron, known throughout the Highlands as “The Devil,” leads his men with ruthless determination. He knows no weakness — until a headstrong, flame-haired beauty from a rival clan tempts him to abandon his ironclad loyalties.

Catriona MacDonald’s past encounters with James have proved that ladies who play with fire can get scorched. But her brush with this devil leaves her burning to feel his touch once more, even though the fierce warrior is her sworn enemy. Now “The Devil” must fight for his family, his honor, and his very life… even as he surrenders to his desire to possess Catriona at any cost.

I have been in sort of a "historical slump", a slump I thought included highlanders. Oh, boy, was I wrong!

As the book opens, the last owner of the Glen has died, leaving descendants in each of the three Clans that live in the Glen. The King has ordered the three Clans to each put up 30 men, who will fight to the last one standing. The victorious clan will own the Glen. Alasdair MacDonald has just received the messenger bearing the news and he is not happy. Catriona, his sister, can't believe her ears - men will needlessly die. They know, however, to defy the King is impossible.

James Cameron, The Cameron, is upset that he must fight for what he believes is his. He doesn't want his men's blood spilled in a fight that will be nothing more than entertainment for the Lowlanders, but he knows he cannot go against the Kings wishes. One morning he goes out to seek counsel from his Seers, and he comes across Catriona wandering through his woods. He's attracted to her, but his honor requires that he sees her home to her brother safely. While he is at the MacDonald holding, James discusses some strange incidents with Alasdair. They are in agreement that they do not wish to fight but agree there is no other way.

James and Catriona are both captivated by the other, but they know they cannot be together as their clans have been enemies for centuries. They keep running into each other (sometimes on purpose, lol) and lust blooms. Love blooms too although neither will admit it...

Sins of a Highland Devil was absolutely enchanting; the characters were delightful to read and I was interested in each of their stories, not just the hero/heroine. Catriona was a willful, fiery-haired heroine, in love with James Cameron but too proud to show it. James Cameron was an honorable clan chief, his want to do the right thing warring against his want to ravish Catriona. We also meet Catriona's brother, Alasdair, who is a very strong secondary character - honorable but with a sense of humor - as well as James' sister, Isobel, and the third Clan chief, Kendrew Mackintosh and his sister, Marjory. James has a second-in-command, Colin, whom I hope we see again somewhere in the next two books :)

Sins of a Highland Devil had a bit of magic to it, with Seers and ghosts and a surprising secondary love story. As I read, it felt like I was there, in the Highlands, listening to this wonderful love story, complete with battles and dragons and legends and lore. This is the first of Ms. Wellfonder's Highland Warriors Trilogy, and I cannot wait to read the next two books!

My Rating:

I received this book from the publisher free of charge in exchange for an honest review.